Wanted to share this daily devotional. So powerful to think
of the influence we have with everyday living. Who are you around consistently?
Loving the Foreigner
Mildred Hoyt, “Mid” to her friends, left this world and went
to rest in the arms of Jesus at the age of 97. She was born December 24, 1899.
Imagine what her eyes saw, the changes that transformed this world of ours —
it’s staggering if you think about it. If we were sent to another land, would
we experience any greater change than Mid did during her lifetime? Two world
wars, not to mention several smaller ones, the advent of cars, planes,
electricity, radio, television and, yes, computers and the Internet. The list
could go on for more pages than a New York City phone book
Spending time with Mid left one with a longing . . . a
longing to return to a different time. A time of simplicity, a time for family
and community. A time when doors were left unlocked and neighbors would drop
everything and help you rebuild a barn. A time when family and faith reigned
supreme.
Perhaps a similar longing prompted a group of foreigners to
accompany the Israelites out of Egypt. They were non-Hebrews who followed the
Hebrews’ God. So when the Hebrews left Egypt, they weren’t alone, as “many
other people went up with them” (Exodus 12:38). These people just didn’t fit in
Egypt anymore. They longed for a life that honored God. They had seen God’s
power and wanted what he offered. They left families, homes, businesses and
country.
God honored their determination by protecting them with this
commandment, reminding the Israelites that they, too, had once been residents
of a foreign land. God reminded them of the harsh treatment they’d endured so
they would treat the others as they would want to be treated — the Golden Rule
in the wilderness. Who are the foreigners today? Perhaps one is the neighbor
who admires your faith and with a little encouragement would come to church
with you. Perhaps another is the store clerk who notices the little cross
around your neck as well as your kindness and patience. Perhaps the foreigner
is someone at work whose lifestyle you would not choose, but who might be drawn
to God through your gracious attitude. The challenge is to live the Golden Rule
in the wilderness of life. Don’t treat the foreigners as strangers, but treat
them as you would one of your friends or family. Treat the foreigners in your
life to a taste of God’s love.
Taken from NIV Women’s Devotional Bible
